The UEFA, which oversees European football, has announced that starting in the next year, the coveted Ballon d’Or awards will be co-hosted.

Group Amaury, the owner of the media businesses France Football and L’Equipe, and UEFA came to an agreement to “enhance the stature and global reach of the awards.”

It comes after Spanish World Cup star Aitana Bonmati won the women’s prize earlier this week, and Argentine sensation Lionel Messi claimed a record-breaking ninth Ballon d’Or title.

With the exception of the President’s Award, which will continue to be given in conjunction with the drawings for the Champions League, Europa League, and Europa Conference League, the UEFA awards that are traditionally given out in August automatically come to an end due to the new collaboration.

In addition, there will still be prizes for the top players in each of UEFA’s club championships, and the men’s and women’s coach of the year will be added to the current Ballon d’Or trophies.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said: “For almost 70 years, the Ballon d’Or has stood as the most prestigious individual accolade in the world of football and is a testament to the extraordinary skill, dedication and impact of the game’s legends and their enduring mark on the sport’s history.

“UEFA club and national team competitions, such as the UEFA Champions League and UEFA EURO, are regarded as the highest global stages for elite players, often playing a critical role in players’ candidacy for major honours and their place in the football pantheon.

“UEFA and Ballon d’Or are synonyms of sporting excellence, so our partnership will be a natural blend of prominence and a synergy that promises to be nothing short of exceptional.”